Maintenance Mechanic/Machine Repair Apprentice

Maintenance mechanics, millwrights, and machine repairers fabricate, install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings. They keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of an establishment in repair. They assemble, install and set equipment such as shafting, motors, generators, air compressors and conveyors using hand and power tools. They align machines and equipment using manual hoists, jacks, and hand tools. Duties may involve pipefitting, boiler making, insulating, welding, machining, carpentry, repairing electrical or mechanical equipment, installing, aligning and balancing new equipment, and repairing buildings, floors and stairs.

General Information

Pay Scale: $14.50 - $35.27

Job and salary outlook:

According to the bureau of labor statistics, employment of industrial machinery mechanics is expected to grow 19 percent from 2010 to 2020. As factories become increasingly automated, mechanics will be in greater demand to maintain and repair this equipment. Median hourly salary of industrial machinery mechanics was $20.99 in may 2008. Earnings for mechanics vary by industry and geographic region.

Working conditions:

Maintenance mechanics, millwrights, and machine repairers employed in manufacturing often work in a factory setting either inside or outside in all weather conditions. They must work at heights, in awkward positions, confined spaces, and areas where there may be risks. They use protective equipment to avoid common hazards; such as: safety belts, protective glasses and hard hats.

General qualifications:

Must be in good physical health.

Length of training:

These programs are four year training programs consisting of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with a minimum of 576 hours of paid related instruction. Additional related instruction may be required. *The Machine Repair Apprenticeship requires an additional 896 hours.